Things to do in Naantali
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Convent Church
The only building remaining from the Convent of the Order of Saint Birgitta is the massive Convent Church, which towers above the harbour. The church was completed in 1462 though its baroque stone tower dates from 1797. The interior is surprisingly wide, with elegant vaulting and a very handsome 17th-century pulpit depicting the apostles and evangelists in a blaze of colour. Also noteworthy is the carved 15th-century polychrome wood triptych behind the altar and an evocative wooden head of Christ below it. Recent archaeological digs around the church revealed more than 2000 pieces of jewellery, coins and other relics that appear in the museum.
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Kultaranta Grounds
The summer residence of the president of Finland is a fanciful stone castle on Luonnonmaa island; the tower is visible from Naantali harbour across the bay. The castle, designed by Lars Sonck, was built in 1916 and is surrounded by a 56-hectare estate with beautiful, extensive rose gardens.
The Kultaranta Grounds are visited by guided tour only. The hour-long tour starts from Kulturanta gate, or the bus tour begins at Naantali. Book through the tourist office.
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Naantalin Kylpylä
Naantali’s spa traditions date from 1723, when people took health-giving waters from a spring in Viluluoto. Naantalin Kylpylä, the town’s top-class spa hotel, allows nonguests to use its fantastic facilities – including several pools and a Turkish bath – during the day. The huge range of spa, massage and beauty treatments are popular with mothers who don’t want to go to Muumimaailma so book ahead in summer.
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Kala-Trappi
This gourmet option in a fine wooden building, is perfect for a refined meal. The menu is based on Finnish specialities with roast goose in an apple and seabuckthorn sauce and several options for whitefish, but also has seafood or reindeer pastas and simpler steaks. Save room for the expertly chosen cheeses including deep-fried camembert with lakka (cloudberries).
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Wanha Naantali Kauppa
The main thoroughfare is Mannerheiminkatu and at number 13, Wanha Naantali Kauppa is a much-visited shop selling old-fashioned Finnish sweets, bottled soft drinks, stamps, postcards and souvenirs - it's a nostalgia trip, although not a cheap one.
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Naantali Museum
Housed in three old wooden buildings dating from the 18th century, Naantali Museum casts a light on disappearing trades such as needlemaking and goldsmithing, as well as looking at how the town prospered from sock knitting.
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Cafe Antonius
Well-placed for snack attacks (‘If you’re quiet until we get to Muumimaailma, Ulli, then you can have a gingerbread’), this cafe does pastries, sweets and other ‘quieteners’ for little ones. The convenience isn’t cheap though.
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Wanha Naantali Kauppa
Wanha Naantali Kauppa is a popular shop selling old-fashioned Finnish sweets (brace yourself for liquorice and tar drops), bottled soft drinks, postcards and souvenirs – it’s a slightly pricey nostalgia trip.
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Muumimaailma
Muumimaailma is based on Kailo Island, and has costumed characters wandering through Moominhouse, Snork’s Workshop (where kids help with inventions) and a host of places that leap to life from the books.
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Merisali
This favourite spot is a restored spa pavilion that offers buffets that are the best in town. The pierside terrace is the perfect place to enjoy your selection from the large salad bar as well as fish and often a roast.
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Naantalin Aurinkoinen
By the kauppatori, this refreshingly local place is packed with pastries and other bakery favourites, along with good coffee, magazines and internet.
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Väski
Older adventure-seekers will prefer Väski, the pirate island that features rock climbing and tracking down buccaneer relics.
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Jumpru & Hunsvotti
You can rent bicycles at Jumpru & Hunsvotti, a small marine shop at the harbour near the bridge to Moominworld.
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Naantalin Seurahuone
Near the kauppatori, this is a no-frills cheap bar and restaurant with a beer garden, and a grilli and kebab section.
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Uusi Kilta
A harbourside restaurant with an international menu and top terrace.
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